Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting a predetermined non-harmonic structured spectral component contained in an audio signal. Then, the extracted predetermined spectral component is increased or decreased. In this process, the spectrum of the audio signal is calculated by frequency analysis, so that a spectrum component corresponding to the predetermined non-harmonic structured spectral component is extracted and then increased or decreased. The extraction of the predetermined non-harmonic structured spectral component is performed with reference to a spectral component of a template stored in advance. In this process, the spectral component of the template is adapted in such a manner that the difference between the extracted spectral component and the spectral component of the template goes below or at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A robot visuoauditory system that makes it possible to process data in real time to track vision and audition for an object, that can integrate visual and auditory information on an object to permit the object to be kept tracked without fail and that makes it possible to process the information in real time to keep tracking the object both visually and auditorily and visualize the real-time processing is disclosed. In the system, the audition module (20) in response to sound signals from microphones extracts pitches therefrom, separate their sound sources from each other and locate sound sources such as to identify a sound source as at least one speaker, thereby extracting an auditory event (28) for each object speaker. The vision module (30) on the basis of an image taken by a camera identifies by face, and locate, each such speaker, thereby extracting a visual event (39) therefor. The motor control module (40) for turning the robot horizontally.

Abstract: A robot visuoauditory system that makes it possible to process data in real time to track vision and audition for an object, that can integrate visual and auditory information on an object to permit the object to be kept tracked without fail and that makes it possible to process the information in real time to keep tracking the object both visually and auditorily and visualize the real-time processing is disclosed. In the system, the audition module (20) in response to sound signals from microphones extracts pitches therefrom, separate their sound sources from each other and locate sound sources such as to identify a sound source as at least one speaker, thereby extracting an auditory event (28) for each object speaker. The vision module (30) on the basis of an image taken by a camera identifies by face, and locate, each such speaker, thereby extracting a visual event (39) therefor.

Abstract: An illumination device has a diffusive sheet that diffuses light. The sheet is fitted to a main body 3 of the illumination device by being sandwiched, in the direction of the thickness of the sheet, between the main body 3 and a frame 4 fitted thereto. The sheet has a cut formed in a portion thereof sandwiched between the frame 4 and the main body 3 to prevent bends that develop with a variation in temperature.

Abstract: A robot auditory apparatus and system are disclosed which are made capable of attaining active perception upon collecting a sound from an external target with no influence received from noises generated interior of the robot such as those emitted from the robot driving elements.

Abstract: An illumination device has a diffusive sheet that diffuses light. The sheet is fitted to a main body 3 of the illumination device by being sandwiched, in the direction of the thickness of the sheet, between the main body 3 and a frame 4 fitted thereto. The sheet has a cut formed in a portion thereof sandwiched between the frame 4 and the main body 3 to prevent bends that develop with a variation in temperature.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for accommodating variance in size and number of pipe materials lying in a horizontal plane is provided. The fixture assembly includes plural pairs of fixture bodies 15A and 15B defining a pair of inclined portions 11A and 11B and a horizontal support surface 12A. A spacer member 25 is disposed between the pair of fixture bodies. The spacer member including a support surface 12B for the pipe material, the support surface 12B being coplanar with the horizontal support surface 12A. The plurality of pairs of fixture bodies with the spacer member therebetween are clamped, together with a bar member disposed between adjacent pairs of fixture bodies, between clamp frames 17A and 17B in an aligned manner. The fixture bodies and the spacer members may be formed from recycled plastic material.

Abstract: A pen input processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention has a text editing section for displaying on a screen a window through which a character is handwritten only by handwriting on the screen a line drawing indicative of inputting of character by handwriting. The text editing section has a function wherein the name of gesture command corresponding to a line drawing and the character to be edited are displayed by the screen when each line drawing is handwritten with respect to the screen. The pen input processing apparatus has a gesture command judging section for recognizing the gesture command in accordance with a trace coordinate of the line drawing. When the gesture command is recognized and specified, the recognition of the gesture command is informed by a sound. Only one line drawing is assigned to the same editing instructions for one character and a plurality of characters as editing objects.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of crimped polyamide filament yarns. Polyamide filaments having non-circular cross sections are melt-spun, allowed to cool, and treated with a substantially non-aqueous oiling agent. They are passed around a feed roll, are passed in contact with a heated body having a curved surface and thus subjected to one-sided heating and then to drawing, are passed around a heated draw roll, and then are passed through a steam jet.